The Murray River winds its way
through eastern South Australia and is a life-line for the state. One of
the most rewarding ways to bird watch along its length is to hire a houseboat.
Meander the waters of the river in comfort, and stop occasionally to walk along
the shores. The bird species will vary from Goolwa to Renmark,
but you will always be surprised by the waterbirds and the woodland birds which
reside along this mighty river.

Gluepot
Reserve is a very special place in South Australia for bird watchers.
Situated around 60 kilometres north of Waikerie, Gluepot has been set aside as
one of the last strongholds for a number of threatened bird species, but in
particular for the preservation of the Black-eared Miner. Birds Australia
purchased the property in 1997 and it has since been included as a vital part of
the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve in the Murray region. Gluepot encompasses
one of the largest areas of intact mallee in Australia, and also has some of the
country's oldest unburnt mallee woodland. There has been a great deal of
work done by Birds Australia and volunteer workers to make a visit to the
reserve enjoyable for lovers of nature.

Please check
the official
Gluepot web site for precise details on how to reach Gluepot. On the
web site you can also find a map of the park, its walking trails and camping
areas. There is an excellent visitor centre located at the old homestead
area, where you can purchase Gluepot memorabilia and also pick up detailed
walking trail pamphlets.

There are three campgrounds within
the park boundary which have been situated in the shade of large mallee trees.
Toilets are provided, and the sites are numbered and well laid out. The
managers have even allowed for vehicles towing camper-trailers or caravans, by
providing 'drive-through' sites in each campground. Visitors must bring
their own water and supplies into the reserve, and take rubbish out with them.
Only gas fires are allowed in the camping area.

Good roads make access to all
corners of the reserve easy for all types of vehicle, and the walking trails are
clearly marked and well signed. Walks start at short strolls of 600 metres
to long treks through the mallee scrub. It is advisable to visit during
the cooler months of the year, since summer in the mallee region can be
extremely hot. Another feature of the park are the bird hides which have
been erected in a number of strategic positions. The hides overlook small,
raised watering troughs where you may be lucky enough to see a special bird
coming in for a drink.

Gluepot Reserve is a wonderful place
for bird watchers. It is unique in being the only place of its kind in
Australia.. set up mainly for those of us who love to wander slowly, binoculars
in hand, hunting for a glimpse of something special.

Malleefowl

Collared Sparrowhawk

Brown Goshawk

Pink Cockatoo

Cockatiel

Budgerigar

Regent Parrot

Blue-winged Parrot

Elegant Parrot

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Spotted Nightjar

Red-backed Kingfisher

Splendid Fairy-wren

White-winged Fairy-wren

Striated Grass-wren

Spotted Pardalote

Shy Heathwren

Redthroat

Striped Honeyeater

Yellow-throated Miner

Black-eared Miner

Chestnut-crowned Babbler

Varied Sittella

Crested Bellbird

Red-lored Whistler

Gilbert's Whistler

White-winged Triller

Diamond Firetail

Zebra Finch

Little Grassbird

Southern Scrub-robin

Hooded Robin

Red-capped Robin

Brookfield and Swan Reach Conservation Parks

Brookfield Conservation Park is
situated just to the west of Blanchetown, close to the River Murray. The
park was originally set aside to preserve the vulnerable southern hairy-nosed
wombat and these animals can be observed emerging from their
burrows at sunset. The bird life
can be extraordinary. The species in the park varies greatly with
the seasons, but a day here will always be rewarding.

Swan Reach Conservation Park is situated on the south
side of the road between Swan Reach and Sedan, opposite the sign for access to
Yookamurra Sanctuary. Many species found here are
also found in Brookfield, although the park is more heavily forested. You are guaranteed to see a wide variety of
honeyeaters, thornbills and often many woodswallow species.

The banks of the River Murray offer a haven for birds. There are wonderful
river red gums lining the river, mingled with other native species. A list
is provided here of some species which may be observed in the upper reaches of
the river.

The Bookmark Biosphere Reserve situated around the Murray River near Renmark,
includes Danggali Conservation Park. The park is situated north of Renmark,
covering a large tract of land. It is remote, but does offer a basic camping
area. Unfortunately there are few walking tracks, but some of the species can be
readily observed from the road.

The
Mallee region in South Australia is generally in the far east of the state,
roughly between Lameroo and Renmark. There are a number of excellent parks
to explore and the bird life is usually prolific.